The Ridgeback Voyage has been a roaring success for a couple of years and, as far as we have found, thoroughly deserved its plaudits. A classic tourer with butted Reynolds 520 steel frame (same as 525, but made under quality-controlled licence inTaiwan), heavy duty wheels, high quality Shimano components, cross top brake levers, mudguards, Blackburn rack and frame pump. That's a lot of stuff!

The Voyage is a bike designed from the gound up for the purpose of carrying large loads for long distances. The frame and the wheels are designed to take it. You can load up with 2 large rear panniers with a tent and sleeping bag between, 2 small front panniers and a bar bag. The Shimano Alivio / Deore mix 24-speed is low-geared to help you get everything up those mountain passes, and the Tektro canti brakes are powerful enough to keep your descent under control. You're all set for taking the longest self-supported route you've got time for.

Steel frames are ideal for touring bikes for several reasons: the inherent high strength of steel is a no-brainer for a bike that is likely to be laden front and rear: the inherent springiness (elasticity in geek-speak) of steel means that long rides are less jarring and more comfortable: this elasticity means that the frame is less likely to break during use with heavy loads (fatigue strength in geek-speak). It's possible to make aluminium strong enough to cope with touring loading cycles, but it's difficult to make it comfortable.

If you want lighter without sacrificing strength, you'd better be prepared to spend a bit more, perhaps on the Voyage's stable mate, the Panorama.

As well as touring, this bike would also make a very dependable, solid, longer distance commuter.

We still can't get over the amount of stuff and the quality of the components you get with the Voyage, and all for under £700! There is no other bike that gives you this much for your money - come see!